Totalizer counter having means for stopping operation on reaching a predetermined number



Sept. 11. 1956 A. VAN VEEN 2,762,567 TOTALIZER COUNTER HAVING MEANS FOR STOPPING OPERATION ON REACHING A PREDETERMINED NUMBER Filed Oct. 8, 19 51 INVENTOR ANTON VANVEEN ATTQRNEY United States Patent TOTALIZE'R COUNTER HAVING NIEANS FOR STOPPING OPERATION ON REACHING A PREDETERMINED NUMBER Anton Van Veen, Canton Center, Conn. Application October 8,'1951, Serial N 0. 250,368

8 Claims. (Cl. 235-432) The invention relates to counters and particularly to a totalizing counter comprising a plurality of unit counters individually operable and having one counter adapted to totalize the readings of the individually operable counters.

A primary object of the present invention is toprovide a group of similar individually operated hand counters supported preferably in alignment on a single base, one of the counters being operated when its own actuator is opened and also when any of the other counters is operated.

Another object of importance is that means are provided for stopping operation of all of the counters when the counter indicating the total count reaches a predetermined number.

A feature of importance of the invention is that the counters are supported by a base in aligned arrangement, and a bar, pivotally mounted on the base and attached to the operating member of one of the counters, extends below an extended portion of the operating member of the other counters so that when any of the counters is actuated the counter to which the bar is attached also will be actuated.

Another feature of the invention that is importantis that means are provided to stop further operation of the actuating member of any of the counters when one of the digit wheels of the totalizing counter is in a position to release a latch and interpose a blocking member in the path of movement of the indexing pawl of the totalizing counter.

With the above and other objects in view the invention may include the features of construction and operation set forth in the following specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

In the accompanying drawing annexed hereto and forming a part of this specification, I have shown the invention embodied in a totalizing counter assembly of three individual hand counters and a totalizing counter but it will be understood that the invention can be otherwise embodied and that the drawing is not to be construed as defining or limiting the scope of the invention, the claims appended to this specification being relied upon for that purpose.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a complete totalizing counter assembly having three individual hand operated counters and one totalizer counter;

Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical sectional view of the totalizing counter, the stopping means being shown in their latched position prior to operation of the interposed member becoming operative to stop further actuation of the counter;

Fig. 3 is a sectional View similar to Fig. 2 with the stopping device released for movement to its actuating lever blocking position and with the actuating member moved a short distance from its initial position;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view similar to that shown in ice Fig. 2 with the latch member of the stopping device moved to its releasing position by movement of one of the indexing wheels and with the blocking member interposed' in the path of movement of the indexing lever moved to its lever blocking movement;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary isometric view of the lower portion of the totalizer counter showing the interposed member in position to stop further operation of the actuating lever; and

Fig. 6 is a rear elevation in section of a portion of the totalizing counter showing the latch member and its operating projection in relation to the index wheels.

in the above mentioned drawing there has been shown but one embodiment of the invention which is now deemed preferable, but it is to be understood that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Briefly, and in its preferred aspect, the invention may include the following principal parts: First, a plurality of hand counters of the type shown in my co-pending application Ser. No. 79,288, filed March 2, 1949, now Patent No. 2,572,784, supported in alignment on a base in fixed positions; second, a pivotally supported lever or arm within the body of one of said counters and positioned so that it may be oscillated to a position within the path of movement of the actuating or indexing lever of the counter; third, a latch member for the above referred to lever or arm having a projection engaged by the periphery of one of the indexing wheels of the counter to release the latch member and permit movement of the pivotally mounted lever or arm into the path of movement of the operating lever for the counter; fourth, a hand operated member to restore the pivotally supported lever or arm and its latch member to their initial positions; and fifth, means connected to the actuating member for the totalizing counter extending to below the actuating members of the individual counters so that when any of the individual counters is operated the totalizer counter also will be operated.

In certain counting operations it frequently is desired to determine the relative numbers of several types of objects that may be grouped together and to quickly establish the percentage of each type among the group. Such a method may be illustrated by taking blood counts to determine the percentages present of various elements. As the different elements are observed under the microscope the appropriate unit counter, one of which is provided for each element being counted, is actuated. As each unit counter is operated, the totalizing counter also is operated. As soon as the total actuation of all the unit or individual counters reaches 100, 1,000 or other round number represented by a complete rotation of one of the index wheels of the totalizer counter, further operation of any of the counters is prevented. From the readings of the unit counters the ratios on percentages of the various elements in the specimen examined can be at once determined.

Referring more in detail to the figures and first to Fig. 1, it will be seen that a group of similar hand counters 10 are mounted on a suitable base 12 in alignment with each other. These counters may be in every way similar to those described in the above referred to patent. Each of these counters 10 may be simultaneously reset to zero by the means shown in the above referred to patent by means of a knob or handle 14 fastened to the reset rod of the counters (not shown) extending from a side or end face of the base 12.

Pivotally mounted in the opposite end members 16 of the base 12 is a swinging member in the form of a U- shaped rod 18. The central portion of the rod extends bethe totalizer counter, the following .ward movement of the low the extended or overhanging portion of the actuating members 20 for each counter. The ends of the rod 18 are bent as indicated and at their ends are provided with small pivot pins 22 passing through suitable holes in the end members. As shown, these pins 22 are positioned coaxially with the axes of oscillation of the counter actu ating members 20. By means of a metal strip 24 soldered to or otherwise attached to and wrapped around the rod 18 and having its end engaging over the actuating member 20 of the totalizer counter 21 the totalizer counter is operated whenever any individual unit counter is operated. The reading of the totalizer counter 21 will, therefore, at all times indicate the sum of the readings of the unit counters.

To stop further operation of any of the counters when a certain total such as 100 or 1,000 has been reached on mechanism is provided. Pivotally mounted within the lower rear portion of the totalizer counter 21 on a horizontal axis and standing in a substantially vertical position is a plate-like member 26. The member is spring-pressed in a direction and to a position directly below the indexing or actuating lever 23 of the counter.

In this forward position of the plate-like member 26 as shown in Fig. 4 the lever 28 cannot be depressed to operate the counter. The spring 30 normally forcing the member toward its forward position may be, as shown, of helical form wrapped around the shaft 32 about which the member 26 pivots. One end of the spring 30 bears against the member 26 and the opposite end against the rear vertical wall of the casing of the counter.

To retain the plate-like member 26 in its retracted position until a predetermined number on the totalizer counter 21 has been reached, a latch member 34 is provided. This latch member 34 is mounted for oscillation about a horizontal axis parallel to the axis of oscillation of the plate-like member 26. A spring 36 of helical form wrapped around the shaft 38 forming the axis of this latch normally forces the member 34 upward so that a central projection 40 on the latch member 34 may be engaged against the lower surface of a prong 42 extending forwardly from the plate-like member 26. This prong 42 limits the uplatch member 34 and in this position of the latch member the plate-like member 26 is held in the position shown in Fig. 2 so that the operating lever 28 may function normally to index the counter wheels. The central projection 40 of the latch member 34 in this position bears against the front surface of the platelike member 26 which is held in that position by the pressure of springs 30 and 36.

On the latch member 34 near its axis of oscillation is a lateral projection or prong 44 the outer end of which rides closely adjacent any one of the indexing wheels 46. At each indexing movement of the wheel 46, against the periphery of which the project-ion 44 contacts, the latch member 34 is forced downward thus releasing the platelike member 26 so that this latter member may move forward until its forward surface strikes the end surface of the latch member 34 on either side of the projection 40. The plate-like member 26 first strikes the rear surface of the indexing lever 28 when the actuating member 20 is depressed and as soon as this member 20 and lever 28 are returned to their upper position the plate-like member 26 may complete its movement to the position shown in Fig. 4. In this position further actuating movement of the lever 28 and member 20 are prevented. As the actuating lever 28 referred to is on the totalizer counter 21 and downward movement of the rod 18 is prevented, none of the individual or unit counters may be operated.

To reset the counters 10 the reset shaft lever 14 may be operated in the same manner as in the above described patent to bring the zeros of each counter into alignment with the openings in the actuating members 20.

I In the embodiment of the invention selected for illustration the projection 44 on the latch member 34 rides adjacent the index wheel 46. As soon therefore as the total count by the individual counters 10 equals 100 or any multiple thereof further operation of any counter is prevented. It will be understood, however, that the projection 44 may be so placed on the latch member 34 that it will ride adjacent any of the wheels 46 so that further counting may be stopped after a count of 10, 1,000 or 10,000 has been completed.

To release the plate-like member 26 of the totalizer 21 so that a new count may be started the shaft 32 to which the plate-like member 26 is fastened as by a small pin 33 passing through the member 26 and shaft 32 has a small lever 47 secured to the extended end of the shaft on the outside of the totalizer casing. By means of this lever 47 the plate-like member 26 may be retracted to its inoperative position so that the actuating lever 28 may again operate the indexing wheels 46. Movement of the platelike member 26 to this retracted position against the pressure of its spring 30 permits the latch member 34 to be raised by its spring 36 into its latching position. To limit the upward movement of the latch member 34 a small projection 42 is provided on the front face of the plate-like member 26 against which the latch member 34 presses when in its upper or latching position. By means of this projection 42 the movement of the latch member upward is limited to a position in which central projection 40 contacts the forward face of the plate-like member 26 immediately below the projection 42.

Resetting of the plate-like member 26 after a predetermined total has been reached on the totalizing counter does not in any way affect the settings of the individual counters or that of the totalizer counter. A second count may therefore be made similar to the first count after which the counts of the individual counters will be doubled.

The base 12 on which the counters 10 are mounted may be formed of channel section of strip metal and may as shown have transverse strips 48 of metal secured against its lower surface. To these transverse strips 48 may be secured soft pads 50 of textile material, sponge rubber or the like. Also as shown the forward ends of the strip 48 may be spaced slightly from the surface of the base 12 to provide tapered recesses to retain memo strips of paper or other material.

I claim as my invention:

1. A totalizer for a group of unit counters comprising, a plurality of unit counters individually operable and a totalizer counter operable when any of the individual counters is actuated, means to stop further operation of said individual counters and totalizer counter when said totalizer counter reaches a predetermined number, and means to release said totalizer counter for another count with the settings of said individual counters indicating their totals for the previous count.

2. A totalizer for a group of counters comprising in combination, a base, a plurality of individually operated unit counters, a totalizer counter, said unit and totalizer counters being mounted on said base in alignment, pivotally mounted cover members to individually :operate said unit counters, a bar connected to the cover member of said totalizer counter and extending below the cover members of said unit counters, whereby when the cover member of any unit counter is operated the totalizer counter also will be operated, and an abutment movable into a position to prevent operation of the actuator of said totalizer counter when said counter reames a pre determined number.

3. A totalizer for a group of counters comprising in combination, a base, a plurality of individually operated unit counters, a totalizer counter having digit wheels mounted therein, said unit and totalizer counters being mounted on said base in alignment, pivotally mounted cover members to individually operate said unit counters, a bar connected to the cover member of said totalizer counter and extending below the cover members of said unit counters, whereby when the cover member of any unit counter is operated the totalizer counter also will be operated and means engaging one of the digit wheels of said totalizer counter to stop operation of all counters when said totalizer counter reaches a predetermined number.

4. A totalizer for a group of counters comprising in combination, a base, a plurality of individually operated unit counters, a totalizer counter, said unit and totalizer counters being mounted on said base in alignment, pivotally mounted cover members to individually operate said unit counters, a bar connected to the cover member of said totalizer counter and extending below the cover member of said unit counters, whereby when the cover member of any unit counter is operated the totalizer counter also will be operated, means engaging one of the digit wheels of said totalizer counter to stop operation of all counters when said totalizer counter reaches a predetermined number and manual means to release said totalizer counter after said predetermined number has been reached.

5. A totalizer for a group of counters comprising in combination, a base, a plurality of individually operated unit counters, a totalizer counter, said unit and totalizer counters being mounted in fixed position on said base, actuating members for said unit and totalizer counters, a bar pivotally connected to said base and extending below the operating members of said unit counters and being attached to the operating member of said totalizer counter, whereby when any of said unit counters is operated by its actuating member the actuating member for said totalizer counter also will be actuated, and means initiated by engagement of a member with one of the digit wheels of the totalizer counter to interpose an abutment into the path of movement of the actuator of said totalizer counter to prevent operation thereof.

6. A totalizer counter comprising a casing, a plurality of digit wheels rotatably mounted therein, means to manually actuate said digit wheels, a plate-like member mounted within said casing for movement into the path of movement of said actuating means, a latch member normally retaining said plate-like member in inoperative position and means on said latch member to release said plate-like member to move said plate-like member into its position to prevent further operation of said counter.

7. A totalizer counter comprising a casing, a plurality of digit wheels rotatably mounted therein, means to manually actuate said digit wheels, a plate-like member mounted within said casing for movement into the path of movement of said actuating means, a latch member normally retaining said plate-like member in inoperative position and means on said latch member engaged by a digit wheel to release the plate-like member for movement into the path of movement of said actuating member when said digit Wheel is indexed.

8. A totalizer counter comprising a casing, a plurality of digit wheels rotatably mounted therein, means to manually actuate said digit wheels, a plate-like member mounted within said casing for movement into the path of movement of said actuating means, a latch member normally retaining said plate-like member in inoperative position, means on said latch member engaged by a digit Wheel to release the plate-like member for movement into the path of movement of said actuating member when said digit wheel is indexed and means to release said latching member to permit further operation of said counter.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Mechanical Movements, by G. D. Hiscox, published in 1901 by N. W. Henley and 00. of 132 Nassau Street, New York. Figure 1049 on page 262. 

